Victoria’s family all got the chance to go to the parade when her brother and the Gulf Coast High School band marched several years ago. She was in middle school and had to stay home with her grandparents at the time.

Victoria, now a Gulf Coast junior, knew she eventually had to find some way to get into the parade, but the school band had no plans to return to New York anytime soon.

So, Victoria would have to find a way on her own.

Her best shot would be auditioning for one of just a few dozen flag line spots.

“I sent in an application with it and hoped for the best,” Carroll said.

A few months ago, Victoria got the letter from Macy’s that said her hard work paid off. She’ll proudly represent Southwest Florida in front of an audience of millions on Thanksgiving Day.

“She wanted it, and she did what she needed to do to get there,” Liz Carroll, Victoria’s mom, said.